Edith Simonyan’s “Dedication-prayer” stands as a remarkable fusion of cultural heritage and artistic innovation. At its core lies a profound homage to Mesrop Mashtots, the visionary creator of the Armenian alphabet, whose words of dedication and prayer are meticulously rendered within the artwork.
Employing the intricate Bird Calligraphy technique, reminiscent of medieval Armenian miniatures, Simonyan orchestrates Mashtots’ sacred text into a mesmerizing spiral.
But what sets “Dedication-prayer” apart is its material composition—a marriage of Armenian and Japanese artistic traditions. Drawing inspiration from the medieval Japanese oshibana technique, Simonyan meticulously constructs her masterpiece from delicate dried flower petals. These petals, carefully arranged and imbued with symbolism, lend an ethereal quality to the artwork, infusing it with a sense of fragility.
As viewers contemplate the spiraling script and intricate floral patterns, they are invited into a contemplative space where cultures converge and time seems to stand still. “Dedication-prayer” serves not only as a visual feast for the eyes but also as a profound meditation on the enduring power of language, spirituality, and the transcendent beauty of artistic expression.
About Edith Simonyan
Edith Simonyan is an artist who takes a fresh approach to the rich tradition of Armenian miniatures. Through the use of Oshibana technique, she brings a contemporary lens to this ancient art form, creating works that are both deeply rooted in tradition and infused with modern sensibility.
Edith’s artworks are characterized by their intricate detail and use of natural botanical materials, capturing the essence of traditional Armenian miniatures while infusing them with a fresh energy and vitality. Her use of Oshibana, the art of using pressed flowers and other botanical materials, brings a new level of dimensionality to her work, giving her pieces a unique texture and depth that sets them apart from other traditional miniatures.